Cheap Flights to Florence

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. We've compiled a list of handy tips that will help get your Florence holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a stress-free experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, find room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Florence, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.